How can I maintain body weight with hypothyroidism?
Dr Smita Gupta
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine,
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism,
Southern Illinois University, USA
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine,
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism,
Southern Illinois University, USA
Q: I am a 34 years old female weighing 57 kg. Recently, I have been diagnosed with autoimmune hypothyroidism. I have been prescribed thyrox 50. I have gained 4 kg weight also.
A:Hypothyroidism slows the body's metabolism and can lead to weight gain. Appropriate thyroid hormone replacement can help treat and reverse the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Dose adjustments are made based on measuring the TSH levels six weeks after initiation or change in the dose. However diet and exercise remain crucial along with thyroid hormone to control weight.